If making an enclosure (we recommend doing so), the laser protective viewing glass can be found HERE

#1 Importance when working with Lasers is SAFETY. Please review the safety and disclaimer information.

This Istructable is for reference ONLY so use it at your own risk.

Step 1: Construct an Enclosure for Your Machine

While this step is not required, we highly recommend creating a full enclosure for your Zen Toolworks Machine to provide extra safety when working with Lasers.

The type of enclosure you make is completely up to you, just make sure to use materials that will not allow the light from the laser to pass through. Wood is a great choice for this. We made ours out of 1/8" MDF. Also be sure that the enclosure is tightly sealed so as no light shines through the cracks.

The viewing window is important so you can see what is going on inside. We decided to hinge our window for convenience of taking the work piece in and out, but you could just as easily lift the entire enclosure over the machine and set it aside.

Another addition you may want to add is an E-stop switch under the hinged window. This way if for some reason the door is lifted during machine operation, the entire system would shut down to protect the user. A simple spring loaded, push button, On/Off Switch would work.

Lastly, we cut a hole in the side of the enclosure to insert a vacuum hose. This way we can run the vacuum while operating the laser to pump any smoke/fumes outdoors.

Step 2: Add a Wood Base to Your Zen CNC

Zen Toolworks CNC Machines are made from a PVC plastic material. This material can release harmful fumes if burned. That is why it is important to add a piece of wood (we used MDF) to your machine's build platform. Simply cut a piece to size, mark 4 holes and bolt/secure it in place.

This is a simple yet important step for your safety!

Step 3: Mount the Laser

Now it is time to mount the laser up to your machine.

We made a simple adapter plate from a piece of Aluminum that bolts up to the spindle mounting holes on the Z-Axis. Then added 2 holes for the laser module, and bolted it all together. There are many ways you could go about this step, but this seemed to be the easiest and most efficient.

You may want to add a cooling fan beside the laser module in order to aid in the cooling efforts of the laser diode. The cooler your laser stays, the longer it will last.

Step 4: Connecting the Laser Control Board

The next Step is wiring the laser to the laser board and the laser board to your CNC Control Package.

Because we offer 2 different types of control packages at Zen Toolworks, we are including connection methods for both control boards.

Mach3 Control Package

Following the diagram included (the one with the blue board), connect the laser's wires to the laser board's "Laser" Terminal. Be sure the red wire goes into the positive terminal and the black wire goes in the negative terminal.

Now, use the same diagram to connect the blue board to your laser board's "Control" terminal. We will run a ground wire from the ground port on the blue board to the negative side of the control port on the laser board.

Lastly, connect P17 (Shown in Photo) on the blue board to the positive side of the control port on the laser board.

Arduino Control Package

Following the diagram included (the one with the green board), connect the laser's wires to the laser board's "Laser" Terminal. Be sure the red wire goes into the positive terminal and the black wire goes in the negative terminal.

Now, use the same diagram to connect the green board to your laser board's "control" terminal. We will run a ground wire from the "spindle negative" pin on the arduino shield to the negative side of the control port on the laser board.

Lastly, run a wire from the "spindle positive" pin on the arduino shield to the positive side of the control port on the laser board.

Step 5: Software Configuration

In order to properly control the laser on/off for engraving or cutting purposes, we need to configure your control software.

If you are using our Arduino Control Package, there is no need for configuring. The laser can now be turned on/off using commands M3/M5 accordingly.

Mach3 Control Package

Open up your typical Mach3 Profile, or make a copy of the profile and rename something like Zen_Laser, so you have a separate laser engraving profile.

I am not sure about that laser in particular. It may work just fine, but I am not sure how you drive/control it. We get our laser packages from jtechphotonics.com

The owner, Jay, really backs his products and knows what he is doing. The produce a very nice laser kit with all of the appropriate laser safety features. If used incorrectly, lasers can be dangerous so definitely please be careful.

first of all great job with the built man!!!!!!So If i buy this laser from ebay, will i be able to engrave with it. Its just i am new to this, and even though i kw it's a 1watt laser and powerful enough. I just haven't seen any body on youtube or the web using it to engrave. I just wanna make sure i am not missing anything I would be grateful if you clarify it.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Focusable-850nm-1W-Laser-Module-Night-Vision-Laser-Light-Source/381219521015?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3D7672f4bde8ba41c7a287a0735467e9ed%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D331280323512&rt=nc

Hi craftclarity. The laser used in this instructable came from Jtech Photonics. It is a universal laser kit designed to work with many cnc machines. We attached it to our Zen Toolworks 7x7 CNC machine. Hope that answers your question. Thanks.